TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer delightful linear experiences, yet each caters to different preferences that can enhance your typing or gaming sessions. The TTC Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smoothness paired with a light-medium level of resistance, providing a typing experience that is both polished and subtly thocky, making it perfect for users who appreciate a balanced yet expressive key feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its medium weight and premium POM construction, strikes a compelling balance between performance and affordability, with a richer thocky sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. Each switch presents its unique advantages; the Gold Red is ideal for those seeking a refined yet understated aesthetic, while the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users looking for solid performance without breaking the bank. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter employing POM (polyoxymethylene). Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile, contributing to a distinctive and bright acoustic experience with each keystroke. This characteristic is particularly enhanced with RGB lighting, as the clear nature of the polycarbonate allows light to shine through brilliantly, providing both aesthetics and sound clarity. In contrast, the POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a unique sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted experience, creating a softer acoustic environment that is distinctively different from the Gold Red.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize different materials that play specific roles in shaping their overall sound profiles. The Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing, recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a typing experience that feels round and warm, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound profile, but it has its own nuances that create a muted and comfortable acoustic response. While both materials—nylon and POM—are soft plastics that help to absorb sound, their individual behaviors result in slightly different auditory experiences when typing.
In conclusion, although the Gold Red and Sea Salt Smoothie switches differ in their constructions, especially concerning their top housing materials, it's essential to note that both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience shaped by the interplay of their components. The unique qualities of the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound and feel, blending to produce distinct sound profiles. Users can expect a bright and resonant experience from the Gold Red due to the polycarbonate top housing, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a deeper, muted sound thanks to its POM material. If one were to mix these switches in a keyboard, the different properties would create an engaging and varied typographic sensation, highlighting the intriguing characteristics of each material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe notable differences in actuation force. The Gold Red has a light actuation force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a smoother typing experience or longer gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, offering a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a stronger push with each keystroke. While the Gold Red's bottom out force is recorded at 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. This uncertainty could suggest a different typing experience overall. Therefore, users seeking a lighter tactile experience should lean towards the TTC Gold Red, while those favoring a heavier switch may find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie to be more to their liking, provided they can adapt to the unknown bottoming out experience of this particular switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter distance of 3.7 mm. This difference suggests that the Gold Red is better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress, as its longer travel distance provides a more substantial engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances tend to facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a deeper, more satisfying press or a snappier, more agile feel during typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch produces a snappy, thocky sound profile that delivers a satisfying, deep tone each time a key is actuated. This low-pitched sound is defined by its soft “thud” when pressed and released, offering a neutral auditory experience that caters to a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, while the sound profile for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is not explicitly described, its characteristic as a medium-weight switch generally implies a balanced auditory feedback. Given that sound is influenced by both the switch and other components like the keyboard case and keycap material, you may find that both switches create a pleasant typing sound, albeit with different tonal qualities.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red stands out for its mild resistance and silky smoothness. Users can expect a gentle yet satisfying typing experience that doesn't require excessive force, making it ideal for extended use without fatigue. The subtle characteristics ensure that typists can maintain a light touch, while the polished finish enhances the overall key travel, reducing friction. The Sea Salt Smoothie’s tactile qualities are unknown, but its designation as a medium-weight switch suggests it may require a firmer push than the Gold Red, potentially altering the typing experience. This variance in feel could be significant, particularly for users who prefer a more pronounced resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a well-rounded experience characterized by a thocky sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, making it suitable for diverse typing preferences. While the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delivers medium-weight action and some unknown qualities, both switches share a goal of providing a satisfying typing experience. Users seeking a buttery smooth experience may gravitate towards the Gold Red, while those interested in exploring the nuances of a medium-weight switch may find the Sea Salt Smoothie appealing. Ultimately, both can cater to a range of keyboard enthusiasts looking for performance and comfort, suggesting that personal preference will play a significant role in the final choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are searching for a switch that provides a light typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying but gentle resistance, making it suitable for both casual typing and long gaming sessions without causing fatigue. You may particularly appreciate these switches if you value a polished and silky feel, as well as a more neutral sound that can blend seamlessly into both home and office environments.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys a medium-weight typing experience with a deeper, thocky sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the more fitting choice. Although the specific bottom-out force is unclear, its all-POM construction is known for providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making it a great choice for both gamers and typists looking for satisfying feedback. Its ability to maintain high quality while delivering a unique sound profile could appeal to users who wish to make a statement with their keyboard. Ultimately, consider your typing style—whether you prefer a lighter, noiseless touch or a more tactile, audible response—as that will guide you to the switch that will elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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